In many lab environments, the pace of work can be relentless. Schedules fill with project deadlines, compliance tasks, and data reviews. It often feels easier to focus on the next experiment or report than on the people performing them. Yet research shows that simple, intentional acts of connection—like greeting—can set the tone for how teams function, collaborate, and thrive.
Greeting is more than a polite habit. It is a leadership behavior that signals belonging, respect, and psychological safety. Julien Mirivel, PhD, a professor of applied communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a widely recognized expert on positive communication, is the author of The Art of Positive Communication. In his work, he describes six simple practices—greeting, asking questions, complimenting, disclosing, encouraging, and listening—that can transform everyday interactions into opportunities for connection. Among these, greeting stands out as the first step in building trust. As Mirivel explained in a recent presentation, “When you greet, you have the power to create human contact.” This seemingly small action invites people in and lays the groundwork for authentic relationships.
Why greeting matters more than you think
Mirivel shared an important distinction: “In most people’s minds, people think that communication is a mode of transmission. They think, ‘I have this idea, let me send it out, and once the message is sent, I will have accomplished the goal of communication.’ But in my field, we know that’s not how communication works. Communication is constitutive—it creates the reality and the experience that we have.”
In other words, greeting is not just a step before “real work” begins—it is part of the work itself.
When people feel invisible, their engagement and trust decline. In labs, that disengagement can manifest as avoidable mistakes, a lack of collaboration, and high turnover.
Greeting offers a counterbalance. It is a way to convey that staff are seen and matter.
Mirivel illustrated this idea through research comparing workplace emails in two very different organizations. In the first—a company struggling with high turnover, persistent conflict, and low morale—messages were blunt and transactional. An email might read simply, “The meeting is at five o’clock,” with no greeting or closing. In the second organization, where employees felt engaged and supported, the same logistical messages were framed with warmth and care: “Hi everybody, hope everyone is doing well. Looking forward to seeing you Friday at five o’clock. Have a great week.” Though the essential information was identical, the tone set an entirely different atmosphere. As Mirivel explains, “The little particles that we add help us manage the connections that we have with other people.” Even small words of acknowledgment can reinforce a culture of respect and inclusion.
Practical ways to greet in lab environments
Greeting does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, the most effective approaches are often the simplest:
- Start every day with acknowledgment: When you arrive, greet colleagues by name, whether in person or over video
- Open meetings with connection: Take a moment to ask how people are doing before diving into the agenda
- Acknowledge milestones: Whether someone completes a training or achieves a project goal, a quick congratulatory greeting reinforces their contributions
- Be consistent across roles: Greet everyone equally—technicians, administrative staff, students, and senior scientists
Mirivel also encourages leaders to “initiate contact with three people that you do not know very well but who are stakeholders in your organization.” Even a short greeting can strengthen rapport and signal inclusivity.
Overcoming barriers to authentic connection
Time pressure, hierarchy, and cultural norms can make consistently greeting feel expendable. But these barriers can be overcome with intentional habits.
One strategy is to create small rituals, such as starting meetings with a check-in or ending them with a word of appreciation.
Mirivel underscores the importance of modeling: “When you greet, you invite.” Leaders who consistently demonstrate this behavior give everyone else permission to follow suit.
Cultural differences are another barrier. Greeting rituals vary—some cultures value formal greetings and titles, others favor informal warmth. The solution is not rigid uniformity but authenticity. Adapt your style to show respect without losing your voice.
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The ripple effect of small actions on lab culture
The practice of greeting may seem too simple to have a measurable impact, but it can create what Mirivel calls a “butterfly effect.” Small, repeated acts of positive communication have a significant impact on the relationships you build, the trust you cultivate, and the culture you create. “When you communicate, you are doing the work of relationship,” said Mirivel.
In a high-stakes environment where precision matters, greeting reminds people they are valued for more than their technical expertise. It is one of the most accessible tools any leader can use to build trust and connection.
The next time you step into the lab, consider how you will greet your colleagues. That moment of recognition might be the most important thing you do all day.
